The sauna is not suitable for everyone. Whether you are an adult or take your children there are a series of precautions that you must take. In general hypertensive people should refrain from taking a sauna, those with heart, blood clotting or kidney problems. It is also not recommended for pregnant women in an advanced state of pregnancy, or for children.
However on this last point, the sauna for children, there are different opinions. What they all agree on is the precautions you have to take to be in a sauna, never more than 15 minutes, and to ask the pediatrician when in doubt.
In Spain they have to wait
Saunas, well used, offer many benefits to the organism. Your children can also obtain these benefits, but in Spain they will not be allowed to enter a public one. But traditionally in Finland, the country from which the sauna originates, children do go to the sauna. Some of these benefits are that they eliminate pathogens and toxic substances, improve aerobic capacity, relieve muscle pain, reduce stress and anxiety.
But you know, your children, it's better wait until 10 or 12 years to try the saunas, which is the minimum age. However, we told you that in Finland entire families do enter the sauna, and until World War II it was the usual delivery room for Finnish women.
Beyond the exceptional case of Finland and other Nordic countries, whose custom is to enter the sauna with children, some experts say that children can enter a wet sauna, when the temperatures do not exceed 70º C, from the age of 7, but always accompanied by an adult and for a short time. In the event of any discomfort, you have to leave immediately,
What you can find in Spain are spas, such as Jaraba, in Zaragoza, where the first specific program of children's thermalism, recommended for children from 4 to 12 years old.
Sauna yes for children, but if you live in Finland
As we mentioned at the beginning, Finnish children do tend to go into saunas. In fact, for them it is a moment of relaxation and play. It is proven that children who go to the sauna learn to swim earlier, that is, because after the sauna they usually take a bath in the pool.
In fact, in public saunas children are allowed, since 3 years, if they can control their digestive tracts. And there is family time! Different studies confirm that no harmful effects of the hot sauna have been observed in children younger than 3 years old, provided that the appropriate precautions are taken.
The typical effects of the sauna, which can especially benefit children are strengthening and increasing the resistance against infections. The proper use of the sauna, in adults and children, leads to an improved mood, stimulates and has a toning effect, and activates the nervous system. There is also an important cultural aspect to the use, which connects with purification and teaches child hygiene in a non-intrusive way.
Asthmatic children, is the sauna convenient?
The asthmatic children suffer from hot, humid weather, but often tolerate the sauna well. There are many adults with asthma who periodically go to them, reducing the attacks. Consult your son or daughter's pediatrician if they are asthmatic, and depending on their age, it may be advisable to go to one.
At dry sauna air, the muscles of the bronchi relax under the influence of inhaled hot air. This counteracts the tendency to spasms that lead to seizures. In this way, an asthmatic child will be free from attacks during the time they stay in the sauna, say 10 minutes, because the adrenal glands are stimulated.
If your child is taking asthma medications, they almost certainly have adrenocorticotropic hormone, whose side effects are particularly undesirable, especially for the growing organism ,. Therefore some sauna baths may be particularly beneficial, helping you to stop taking these medications, as stated by Professor Eriksson-Lihr, Director of the Finnish Allergy Hospital.